The Lord's Grace to Paul--and Us

Apostle Paul wrote this to Timothy, his son in the ministry: "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:15-17).

The phrase, "trustworthy saying" is used five times in the Pastoral Epistles. Paul is emphasizing the reliability of the statements that he is making about Jesus Christ. I'd like to point out three things we see in this passage.

First of all, there is the mention of Christ's mission. The reason the Son of God left heaven and came to earth was so He could accomplish the plan of salvation. Jesus said, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." (Luke 19:10). He also stated, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17).

Paul certainly knew and understood this fact. He not only recognized his own sin--he considered himself "the worst of sinners"--a point he makes and then repeats. Notice the present tense of Paul's astounding affirmation. He was acutely aware of his own failures and shortcomings.

This leads us to the second point, Christ's manner. Paul believed the reason that he was the recipient of the Lord's mercy was in order for Jesus to demonstrate his "unlimited patience" to other believers. "Love is patient," among other things. (1 Corinthians 13:4). Thankfully for us "sinners," the Lord is truly patient. Like Paul, we all fail miserably even after we have been "born again." Recognizing this we should be thankful to God for His grace to us and remember to "bear with" and support fellow believers when they stumble.

The third point emphasized in this text is Jesus Christ's majesty. "Who," considering the stated mission and manner, could do these things? Only "The King" Himself who is God. In verse seventeen, Paul referring to Jesus Christ mentions three attributes: "eternal, immortal, invisible" that can only be said of The Deity. Because this is true, He alone deserves "honor and glory forever." for His grace shown to us.

What We Owe the New President

Whether you voted for President elect Barack Obama or not, according to the Scriptures, there are certain things that you owe the new President.

In one of the best known statements by Jesus regarding our obligations to the government, He said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21).

The context of this statement was a question Jesus was asked whether it is right to pay taxes to Caesar or not” (Matthew 22:17). “Caesar” was the head of the Roman Empire—the occupying power of the Holy Land in the days of the New Testament. Jesus correctly pointed out our dual obligations to the governing authorities and to God.

According to Romans 13:1-7, Christians must submit to the governing authorities because “there is no authority except that which God has established” (v 1). There are legitimate expenses of government for which we owe our share of taxes to pay for its support. A primary purpose of government is the protection of its citizens and the punishment of “wrongdoers” (v 4). This would include the service of the Police and the Military.

The Apostle Paul concludes the passage with this statement: “Give to everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” (v 7).

Paul also added some spiritual obligations for Christians when he wrote to Timothy in one of his pastoral epistles. “I urge, then first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made to everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”(1Timothy 2:1-2).

So to recap, our responsibilities start with prayer “for all those in authority.” The list also includes: honor and respect (for the position), obedience to the laws including the payment of “revenue (fees) and taxes.” The reason we “owe” our leaders these things is the recognition that all authorities have their position because of a Sovereign God who is the ultimate ruler of the universe.

Of all the things listed above, by far the most important one is prayer. I remember an evangelical leader sharing an experience he had with President Johnson. This minister was invited to a reception in the White House. As usual the President was standing at the door welcoming the guests. When it came time to shake hands and exchange a greeting, he simply said to the President, “I regularly pray for you.” Hearing that, President Johnson grasped him with both hands and profusely thanked him.

Here’s a thought: If we prayed more, we might have less to complain about.